I think what's been disappointing me the most about this series so far is that it has potential. No, really. A young woman training to be a forensic scientist in the Victorian era, and stopping serial killers with the help of her socially inept, but brilliant and charming, partner? Such delicious potential. But unfortunately the writing doesn't quite do the premise justice.

I was hoping to enjoy this one more than I did the first book, but I don't think I did. It wasn't unbearable, don't get me wrong. Like I said, the premise of these books really is solid and makes for an interesting read. But once again, the killer's identity was fairly obvious, and the writing too often chooses to focus on how Special Audrey Rose is, and on hers and Thomas' relationship, that it forgets the plot sometimes. There's no real sense of urgency or danger either; their fellow students are dropping like flies, but we never really feel like Audrey Rose and Thomas are in any jeopardy. The emotional component is just... severely lacking tbh.

(I'm also not a big fan of the "Victorian/Regency era woman wears pants and therefore she is the Most Feminist" cliche, but that's a minor peeve)

It's still kinda entertaining enough that I think I still might stick with this and read the rest of the series, but it's on thin ice.